HELEN’S BRIDGE HOLIDAYS

Brdge is fun!

 15th to 18th  August 2025

Tel. 01931 716628                     www.shapwells.com      

Shap Wells Hotel, Shap,

                             

Nr. Penrith, CA10 3QU

                                        

 

Despite being only minutes from the M6 (Junction 39) and the A6, this bargain break hotel really is in the middle of nowhere! Don’t worry when the sign to the hotel seems to lead you through the middle of someone’s farmyard! The road winds about until you go round the corner and down the hill to the secluded wooded valley, high in the Shap Fells and surrounded by mountain streams and you will have your first glimpse of this impressive hotel tucked away in the valley. It was originally built as a stopover point for Queen Victoria’s trips to Balmoral, though she never actually stayed there. Many of the rooms have breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and fells, offering a true taste of the English countryside. The hotel has retained many of its original features over the years and much time has been taken to retain the true character of the building. It is privately owned and several new bedrooms have been added in recent years. The layout of the hotel is quirky to say the least, so if you have a problem with stairs, be sure to mention it when you book. There is lift access to most rooms but if you require easy access, please let me know as  it can be a long trek to some of them!

Free WiFi is available throughout the entire hotel including all public areas, conference rooms and guest accommodation. Complimentary parking is available at the front and rear of the hotel.

The hotel is used for coach trips as a stopover for trips from England to Scotland, so meals are plain and simple—much improved in recent years—and usually buffet-style. Occasionally, there is “entertainment” provided but the bridge room is at the opposite end of the large dining room, so we don’t hear it!

Patrick loves his visits here because he likes to see and feed the protected red squirrels which live in the grounds. He has also seen several species of birds, deer, frogs and even an adder.

I have to confess I enjoy a visit to the chocolate factory in the nearby village of Orton where I can quickly negate the benefits of walking in the fells!

TARIFF: 3 nights’ dinner bed & breakfast per person

 

Sharing double/twin room £277.50 (Hotel £217.50  + bridge £60)                                        

 

Double room for single occupancy £397.50 (Hotel £337.50 + bridge £60)                             Single room £355.50 (Hotel £337.50 + bridge £60)

 

 

PROGRAMME

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday

 

Arrive from 3:00 p.m. Settle into your room

 

5:30 p.m. Drinks with Helen

 

 

6:00 p.m. Dinner

 

7:30 p.m.  Bridge (Pairs)

 

 

Pay Bridge fees - box in bridge room

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday

 

Breakfast

 

10:00 a.m. Bridge (Pairs) includes tea/coffee break

 

 

Afternoon free

 

5:30 p.m. Drinks with Helen

 

 

6:00 p.m. Dinner

 

7:30 p.m.  Bridge (Mystery Teams)

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday

Breakfast

 

10:00 a.m. Bridge (Pairs) includes tea/coffee break

 

 

Afternoon free

 

5:30 p.m. Drinks with Helen

 

 

6:00 p.m. Dinner

 

7:30 p.m.  Bridge (Pairs)

 

 

 

 

 

Monday

 

Breakfast

 

Settle hotel bills

 

 

 

 

 

Safe journey home!